Around the corner from my house is a plaza where there's an organic pet food store and gift shop. Every now and then I go in to get some special munchies for my kids because the place carries such canned delicacies as Thanksgiving Dinner (with the trimmings!), California Roll, and Venison Stew. Among the exotic organic foods, gourmet treats, and adorable gifts, there is one of the most unique and lovely cats I've ever met.

She's named, very appropriately, Rosie. Her fur is the color of pink champagne, I kid you not! Have you ever seen a fabric which, when you turn it this way or that under the light, might take on a different shade or sheen? This is Rosie. She seems to have on the surface the golden-tan color of a fine New York State sparkling wine, but there is an undercolor of rose that shimmers as she walks and turns. It's like the fur is tipped with the gold and rosy toward the shaft and root, and her green eyes are almightily striking against such a background. I swear on my mother's dentures I've never seen such a coat! She's very happy being the shopcat, and will only sometimes give one the treat of a greeting; but she's a camera shy girl! Maybe if I pick up some more sushi-in-a-can she'll get more friendly...

Copyright © Baha Singh
May 8, 2006